BNB clamp

Abstract

A clamp for sealing leaks occurring between a pipe and a pipe fitting. The clamp is usable with common tee, straight, reducer, and 90° elbow fittings and with various combinations of simple adapters can be used with at least two standard sizes of any such fittings. Two of the disclosed embodiments are particularly useful with flanged gate valves.

I claim: 
     
       1. A clamp for sealing leaks occurring between a pipe and a flanged tee pipe fitting having a branch leg or the like comprising: a body longitudinally divided into two portions and having a cavity adapted to at least partially enclose the pipe fitting, the cavity including opposing entrances, an aperture intermediate the entrances adapted to permit extension of the branch leg therethrough an internally threaded section; means for joining the two body portions about the fitting;   means connected to the body for retaining the fitting;   packing means; and   a bolt longitudinally divided into two portions and adapted to engage the threaded section of the cavity for compressing the packing means against the flange.   
     
     
       2. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the means for joining includes mating flanges extending from the body portions and means for fastening the flanges together. 
     
     
       3. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the means for joining further includes a first flange extending from one of said body portions and a second flange extending from the other body portion and having a lip extending over the first flange. 
     
     
       4. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the means for retaining includes an annular shoulder extending into the cavity and adapted to engage a flange of the fitting. 
     
     
       5. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the means for retaining includes a collar adapted to engage a flange of the fitting and means for adjustably connecting the collar to the body. 
     
     
       6. The clamp of claim 5 wherein the means for connecting is a strap and a buckle. 
     
     
       7. The clamp of claim 5 wherein the means for connecting is a bolt and a nut. 
     
     
       8. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the bolt includes means attached to each bolt portion for interlocking the portions. 
     
     
       9. The clamp of claim 1 including means for adapting the clamp for use with a 90° elbow fitting, the means including a spacer having a arcuate surface adapted to engage the elbow fitting. 
     
     
       10. A clamp for sealing leaks occurring between a pipe and a flanged tee pipe fitting having a branch leg or the like comprising: a body longitudinally divided into two portions and including a cavity adapted to at least partially enclose the pipe fitting, the cavity having opposing entrances, an aperture intermediate the entrances adapted to permit extension of the branch leg therethrough and an internally threaded section;   means for joining the two body portions about the fitting including mating flanges extending from the body portions and a fastener for securing the flanges together;   means connected to the body for retaining the fitting including an annular shoulder adapted to engage a flange of the fitting;   packing means; and,   a longitudinally divided bolt adapted to engage the threaded section of the cavity for compressing the packing against a flange.